News Brief: Week of Aug. 23-29

National 

Shooting of Jacob Blake prompts nationwide protests, NBA boycott

Protests ignited after Jacob Blake, a Black man, was shot and paralyzed by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Sunday, Aug. 23.

Police were called to the scene of an alleged domestic dispute where Blake was present. Cell phone videos captured by bystanders depict police firing at Blake seven times as he attempted to get into his car, which had his three children inside. 

While Blake survived the shots, he is now paralyzed, with his lawyer saying it would “take a miracle” for him to walk again.

As news of the shooting spread, protests against police brutality began in Kenosha. Cities across the United States also led protests.

Several sports teams boycotted games in solidarity with protesters. On Wednesday, Aug. 26, the Milwaukee Bucks decided to boycott their playoff game against the Orlando Magic. Other NBA teams playing the same night also boycotted their games. The boycotts continued for two nights, with the playoffs resuming on Saturday, Aug. 29.

Additionally, MLB, WNBA and MLS games were called off as athletes protested. For example, the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins opted not to play their game on Thursday, Aug. 27, by walking off the field after a moment of reflection.

Trump accepts renomination at RNC

President Donald Trump officially accepted his renomination for the 2020 presidential election during the Republican National Convention on Thursday, Aug. 27.

In his speech, Trump said he would continue to build a greater country if he triumphs over his Democratic opponent Joe Biden.

“We have spent the last four years reversing the damage Joe Biden inflicted over the last 47 years,” Trump said.

Trump’s acceptance speech followed four days of speeches by Republican leaders, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, first lady Melania Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.

The convention was hosted in locations across Washington D.C., with Trump giving his speech from the White House. Most speakers presented live onstage at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium with a limited audience. Approximately 300 Republican delegates met in Charlotte, North Carolina, to conduct party business.

State/Local

Marches held across OKC area in protest of racism

Black Lives Matter led a protest on Friday, Aug. 28, in Oklahoma City to commemorate the March on Washington led by Martin Luther King, Jr. 57 years ago.

“We just continued that spirit,” Rev. T. Sheri Dickerson, executive director of Black Lives Matter OKC, said. “We’re going to continue getting in good trouble, necessary trouble, and fighting the fight.”

The March for Justice marched on the State Capitol, with supporters calling for racial justice and the freedom of Julius Jones, a Black man on death row in Oklahoma. Many individuals believe he has been wrongfully convicted and took to the March on Friday to call for his release. 

The University of Oklahoma football team also marched on campus on Friday, Aug. 28 to speak out against police brutality against African Americans.

“We made this march today of solidarity, not because we have the answers to all that’s going on in our country right now but we are a group of people that are hurt, that are scared, frustrated, but motivated to do our part,” head coach Lincoln Riley said.

Campus

Rush kicks off

Sophomore students at Oklahoma Christian University are invited to dozens of events as social service clubs begin rush. 

For three weeks, sophomores may attend events hosted by the five women’s clubs and five men’s clubs on campus to decide which one to join. From game nights to luaus to parking lot parties, sophomores may mingle with upperclassmen and find their club.

After sophomores interview with clubs, rush will conclude in mid-September with social clubs distributing bids to their picks and inducting their new members.